Most people assume that GPS is only ever implemented by the courts in situations of house arrest. We’ve all seen the classic ankle monitors that convicted criminals confined to their homes are forced to wear. However, in California, GPS devices are also often used for those out on bail. You may assume that these devices place the wearer in a difficult and restrictive situation, but in actuality, agreeing to a GPS monitoring device may be beneficial to the wearer.
When the Courts Offer You GPS
There are many reasons why the courts may decide that you should wear a GPS device before being let go on bail; the primary reason being that you are a perceived flight risk. Your bail-hearing judge will be the one to determine your flight risk, as that impacts how high your bail is. They will consider:
- Whether you live locally
- Whether you work locally
- Whether you have local family
- Whether you have a past history of fleeing while on bail
This means that if you have been arrested in a city in which you don’t live, work, or have family, the court may be worried that you will try to flee while out on bail. By offering the monitor, they are giving you a way to prove that you are trustworthy. By accepting, the judge will now be in a position where he offers you bail, and you know that the courts will have faith that you are going to show up to your trial. For both parties, there is a stronger sense of trust.
The Benefits of GPS
One of the biggest benefits to agreeing to GPS monitoring is the fact that it often results in a lowered bail amount. The purpose of bail is to ensure that those arrested for criminal activity attend their trial. Without bail, it would be incredibly easy to just leave town, and your criminal charges behind with it. The courts don’t have the manpower to hunt down every person ever arrested, nor does they have the space to hold all people awaiting trial in jail. Bail acts a middle ground between the two.
However, agreeing to a GPS device means that you are promising the court two-fold that you will be at the trial. First, you will go because you do not want your bail to become forfeit. Second, you will go because the court will easily be able to determine where you are if you try to flee. By making that extra agreement, you give the court more reason to trust you, which will likely be rewarded with a reduced bail amount.
While being tracked via GPS may be an initially uncomfortable idea, the truth is that agreeing to it may be largely beneficial to you. After all, the lower your bail, the less your premium payments to your bail bond agency will be.
When You Seek Bail
Most people only know of bail through the media: that is, crime drama TV shows and movies. That means the general perception of the bail process is incredibly warped, and often incorrect. Few people know that a GPS device is an option for lowering bail. This lack of knowledge can make it even more frightening and confusing to go through the bail process. Thankfully, when you work with Balboa Bail Bonds, you won’t have to worry. Unlike other bail agencies that only check in with you when it’s time to make a payment, we offer constant support to all of our clients. If you come across a snag, or have a question, all you have to do is call your agent, and they will be more than happy to help.
On top of that, because our agents are required to be bilingual, we can offer our help, even if English isn’t your first language. Plus, with a flexible payment plan for all of our clients, you don’t have to worry about handing over your entire savings the minute your trial is over. Instead, we can work with you to come up with a plan that works with your wallet. If you or someone you know has been arrested and needs help posting bail, give Balboa Bail Bonds a call at (619) 760-2222. We are here to help.